Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions

It is a global initiative by the Interledger Foundation that provides financial support and resources to student-led university groups. The goal is to encourage projects related to open payments and digital financial inclusion using the Interledger Protocol, such as workshops, hackathons, or prototype development.

Only student-led organizations—clubs or groups—at accredited universities worldwide are eligible. Both new and established groups can apply, but they must have a faculty advisor or university administrator backing them. Registered startups, companies, and individual applicants are not eligible.

The program supports a wide range of projects focused on open payments and digital financial inclusion using ILP, including workshops, hackathons, webinars, campus awareness campaigns, and development of payment-technology prototypes.

Grants of up to ₹4.15 lakh (approximately US$5,000) per project are offered. This is non-dilutive funding—the program does not take any equity or require repayment.

The deadline for the 2026 program is 31 July 2026, 23:59 ET (which is 1 August 2026, 09:29 IST). Projects must be implemented within about three months and completed by 31 December 2026.

Yes, the program is open globally and there is no restriction on Indian universities. Student groups at accredited Indian universities are fully eligible to apply.

You need to prepare a project proposal outlining objectives, activities, timeline, budget, and how it aligns with open payments and financial inclusion using ILP. Additionally, you must have an endorsement from a faculty advisor or university administrator.

Visit the official application portal at https://submit.interledger.org/submit/351572/2026-interledger-on-campus-education-mini-grant, prepare your proposal, ensure faculty support, and submit your application before the deadline.

Yes, besides cash funding, the program offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and training workshops to help student groups succeed in their projects.

The Interledger Protocol is an open standard for connecting different payment systems and enabling interoperable payments. The program focuses on building awareness and applications around ILP for financial inclusion.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026 is offered by Interledger Foundation, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.